Cellulitis

What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is simply a term that describes the appearance of bumpy looking fat on the body. It is not an actual disease, but it is a condition of bulging fat cells and other coexisting factors that result in the appearance of cellulite.

Sometimes the fat cells expand so much that they cause the collagen fibers around them to bend causing puckering of the skin above. There are three layers of fat found in the body. Cellulite is located in the layer of fat closest to the skin. There fat cells are enclosed in pockets formed by collagen fibers.
Sometimes the fat cells squeeze on the connective tissues (collagen fibers) and there is little room for the lymphatic drainage system to relieve this build-up of fluids, fats, and toxins. Fat in this layer does not respond well to diet or exercise. Fibrous strands can cause performing successful liposuction to be difficult in this layer of fat. Also, hormones can be responsible for the accumulation of fat in our cellulite layer.

The next two layers of fat are not structured. The fat cells are not separated by connective tissue. The fat in these layers is also, to some degree genetically influenced. The big difference is that the fat in these layers is also easily coaxed by lifestyle and dietary changes.

Why should we care about having cellulite? In the competitive world we live in, how we look and feel about ourselves can sometimes dictate important aspects of life, including love, employment and personal friendships.

Cellulite Reduction
You can not eliminate cellulite immediately. It is howeverpossible to reduce your level of cellulite on a pinch test. Generally speaking, by doing a combination of effective treatments, YOU can reduce your cellulite by 1 or 2 grades, vastly improving your appearance.

In order for cellulite reduction to occur, one or more of these factors must be met. First, the fat cells in the subterraneous layer of fat must shrink significantly. Secondly, the fat cells must become separated from each other and have enough space between them for proper lymphatic drainage to occur. The body’s ability to drain unwanted toxins and lymphatic waste from the body must improve, reducing undesirable swelling in those areas of the body. Third, the connective tissues must stretch and become elongated, thereby improving skin tone and elasticity. Lastly, hormonal conditions must stop fluctuating and stabilize, reaching a better hormonal balance.

There exists a myriad of treatments to reduce cellulite. You may benefit from a mult-prong approach to cellulite reduction, because some of these treatments improve some of the above-mentioned factors, whereas other treatments focus primarily on the remaining elements. Let’s examine body wraps, which is when a cream may or may not be applied to the affected area and then is wrapped usually in cellophane or bandages of some type. Body wraps may provide results that reduce excess fluids and toxins in the fat cells, but it does not achieve stretching of the connective tissue. In contrast, Lipomassage,™ which stretches the connective tissue and, theoretically, mobilizes fat cells to relieve congestion.

We want to stress that even if desired results are mainly found with one type of treatment, that specific means may not be comprehensive, but rather a good place to start the process of cellulite reduction.

What is Lipomassage?
Lipomassage was the first treatment approved by the FDA to allow the claim of “temporary reduction of cellulite”. It is a massage machine with 2 rollers and a gentle suction action that when rolled over the top layer of fat makes a fold. Only a certified endermologist can provide this service. This folding action stretches the connective tissue and results in the reduction of cellulite and body measurements. FDA approved claims that involved Lipomassage treatments that included temporary reduction of cellulite, reduced body measurements, increased circulation, relief of muscular pain, and reduction of muscle spasms.

It was developed in the 1980’s as a non-surgical method to treat the scars of burn victims, who began to notice improvements in their cellulite as well. From that point forward the any benefits of Lipomassage began to be recognized.
Typical questions about Lipomassage:

Q: How many Lipomassage treatments are necessary?
A: Usually 14-28 initial treatments, 1 to 2 times a week, are necessary to achieve the optimal results, with a monthly visit thereafter for maintenance. Treatments are usually 30 minutes in duration, and the entire body will be treated. In addition to the targeted areas, your Lipomassage treatments will help increase lymphatic flow and help promote better circulation throughout your entire body.

Q: When will I begin to see results?
A: Approximately 6 treatments will be necessary to begin seeing results from having Lipomassage preformed on your body. Just as we do not notice our body when our weight loss is only 1-2 pounds, but only notice our body improvements as that weight loss becomes accumulative. Likewise, with cellulite reduction through Lipomassage, you will dramatically observe the reduction of your appearance of cellulite as your number of treatments increases.

Q: Does Lipomassage replace the need for liposuction?
A: While liposuction does not reduce the appearance of cellulite, the converse is true for Lipomassage. Liposuction can actually leave loose skin which will increase the appearance of cellulite that it does not take out. Liposuction mainly attacks the middle layer of fat, sucking out fat cells but leaving the top layer of skin still dimpled and full of cellulite. In contrast, Lipomassage will directly attack the dimpled top layer of skin, breaking up the congested lymphatic flow which promotes the appearance of cellulite.

Q: How does Lipomassage differ from liposuction?
A: The main difference between Lipomassage and liposuction is that Lipomassage does not involve any physically invasive techniques whatsoever. Many individuals, due to that reason, choose to see the level of results attained from performing Lipomassage prior to committing themselves to the surgical alternative of liposuction.

Q: Is the Lipomassage treatment painful?
A: Actually, the majority of patients compare receiving Lipomassage to receiving a very deep massage and find the treatment very relaxing. Moreover, the intensity of the rolling action can be adjusted to achieve your personal comfort level.

Q: What are the after-effects from receiving Lipomassage?
A: You will likely feel an increase in energy and an overall feeling of relaxation. Minor, temporary bruising might occur, similar to what you would receive from a deep tissue massage.

Q: What steps will I have to undertake before having Lipomassage performed?
A: You should drink at least 8 cups of water prior to the treatment and continue to hydrate your body properly during the course of treatment. Drinking a sufficient amount of water will help the treatment eliminate the waste from your body and encourage the necessary stimulation of your lymphatic system to reduce the amount of cellulite apparent in your body.